East Falls Now January 2019 by The Chestnut Hill Local

Enjoying EFCC’s holiday reception and caroling

elebrating the holiday season took several forms in East Falls, including the East Fall Community Council’s annual reception and the much longer-standing traditional of caroling in McMichael Park. At left, among those having a good time at the EFCC’s holiday reception on Dec. 4 at the Old Academy Playhouse were

Vol. 1, No. 9

January 2019

Jim and Tana Lipovac, of Midvale Ave., and their son, Essa, who came fully dressed for Christmas. At right, the weather cooperated this year as singers led the carol singing before adjourning to the EF Presbyterian Church for desserts and hot cider prepared by the Friends of the Falls Library.

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Penn Charter breaks ground for new baseball field

enn Charter celebrated the construction of its new baseball complex with a ceremonial groundbreaking attended by distinguished alumni, including an owner of the Philadelphia Phillies, a 2018 graduate who is now a professional baseball player, a former MLB player and general manager, and alumni whose gifts to the How Far? capital campaign are shaping the school’s future. “This is a great moment in the life of our school,” Darryl J. Ford, Head of School, said. “This baseball facility is the start of the transformation of our campus.” The new facility is the first step in a master plan calling for construction of a new Athletics and Wellness Center and a new lower school. Wielding chrome shovels and big smiles for the groundbreaker were David Montgomery’64, chairman and minority owner of the Phillies; Ruben Amaro Jr. ’80, former player, general manager, coach and newly named executive with the New York Mets; and Mike Siani ’18, recently signed by the Cincinnati Reds, representing MLB. They were joined by over-

A rendering of Penn Charter’s new baseball facility, located on Strawbridge Campus on the west side of School House Ln.

seers, current and former baseball coaches, and members of the PC administrative team. The baseball facility is on Strawbridge Campus, on the west side of School House Ln., and is scheduled to be com(Continued on page 10)

EFCC to meet Monday, Jan. 14 The monthly general membership meeting of the East Falls Community Council is set for 7 pm Monday, Jan. 14 at the East Falls Presbyterian Church. The agenda will include: • A progress report from NewCourtland Senior Services on work at the organization’s site, 3232 Henry Ave. • A presentation from officials of Hebrew Public Schools on their plans for a charter school at 3300 Henry Ave.; and, • A discussion on plans by the EFCC Traffic Committee Henry Ave. worksite of NewCourtland Senior Services, part of the to apply for the City’s Slow EFCC’s Jan. 14th meeting agenda. Zone program.

EFCC to apply for ‘Slow Zones’ to cut speeding, crashes is on residential neighborhoods. William Epstein, President of the EFCC, said the group’s ast Falls Community Executive Committee made the Council will apply for the decision to submit an applicacity-proposed neighbortion in the absence of a general hood traffic calming program membership meeting in known as “Slow Zones” -- the heart of Vision Zero, the plan to eliminate all traffic deaths and severe injuries by improving safety. The application is due Jan. 18, 2019. Both the initial offering and follow-up, if approved by the city, will require neighborhood input in choosing what streets to include. Highways and arterial routes such as PennDOT-managed Henry Ave., the subject of its own improvement plan, are excluded, although they can serve as boundaries of zones. Streets with painted centerlines also are excluded. The focus clearly

by John T. Gillespie

December. The proposal will be on the agenda of the Monday night, Jan. 14 meeting. “Slow Zones must be made up of residential streets that are one-lane, one-way streets (Continued on page 7)

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January 2019

East Falls NOW

Your January 2019 East Falls NOW Calendar Falls of the Schuylkill Library Hours: Mon. & Wed., 12 to 8 pm; Tues. & Thurs., 10 am to 6 pm; Fri., 10 am to 5 pm; Sat. 10 am to 5; closed Sundays; delayed opening (2 pm) on Jan. 10; closed New Year’s Day and Martin Luther King Day, Jan 21.

LEAP, the Free Library’s drop-in after school program, offers homework assistance, computer literacy and library skills for students in grades K–12, along with daily literacy enrichment activities for elementary school students. This program takes place every Monday through Thursday from 3 to 5:30 pm and Saturdays from 1 to 5 pm.

1 Tuesday

A happy and healthy 2019 to all of our East Falls Now readers!

2 Wednesday 3 Thursday

1 pm: Beginner’s Bridge Group for new players, Library. (Story Pg. 10.)

11 am: Storytime and block play, Library, ages seven and under. (Story Pg. 10.)

7 Monday

cucina italiana

3572 Indian Queen Lane, East Falls, Pa 19129 Lunch: Monday-Friday 11:30 to 2:30 Dinner: Monday-Saturday 15 to 9:30 | Sunday 4 to 9

more info at www.fiorino.us

2 pm: EF Village Thursday afternoon yoga classes begin (Story Pg. 6.) 7:30 pm: EF Town Watch meeting, 3540 Indian Queen Ln. (Story Pg. 3.)

4:15 pm: Read with a Therapy Dog at the Falls Library. School age kids are invited to read with Wally or Orchid, certified therapy dogs. Come share a new book or an old favorite in a judgementfree space. (Story Pg. 10.)

1 pm: Matthew Ross Smith, author of Lizzi Legend, will sign his books and discuss writing and basketball, Library (Story Pg. 10.)

5:45 pm: Advanced Bridge Group for experienced players, Library. (Story Pg. 10.)

2 pm: EF Village theatre party for Calendar Girls, Old Academy Playhouse (Story Pg. 6.)

8 Tuesday

14 Monday

10 am: EF Village Tuesday morning yoga classes begin (Story Pg. 10.) 10:15 am: Music and Movement Time at the Falls Library. Babies and toddlers will enjoy a parentled music and dance story time. Children will play maracas, shake pom-poms, dance and listen to music and dance-themed books. Come tire out your little ones and meet local parents. Groups and daycares should call the library to set up special visits. (Story Pg. 10.)

9 Wednesday

1 pm: Beginner’s Bridge Group for new players, Library. (Story Pg. 10.)

10 Thursday

9:30 am: EF Village trip to Woodmere Art Museum. (Story Pg. 6.)

12 Saturday

4:15 pm: Read with a Therapy Dog, Library (Story Pg. 10.) 6 pm: Program on the stoicism philosophy, Library (Story, Pg. 10.) 7 pm: EF Community Council General Membership Meeting (Story, Pg. 1.)

15 Tuesday

10:15 am: Music and Movement Time, Library (Story Pg. 10.)

23 Wednesday

1 pm: Beginner’s Bridge Group for new players, Library. (Story Pg. 10.)

24 Thursday

11 am: Storytime and block play, Library, ages seven and under. (Story Pg. 10.) 6 pm: EF Town Watch meets with 39th Police District PSA 1, 2201 W Hunting Park Ave. (Story Pg. 3.) Call 215-686-3394 to confirm.

26 Saturday

10 am: St. Rep. Pam DeLissio Town Meeting, Cathedral Village

28 Monday

4:15 pm: Read with a Therapy Dog, Library (Story Pg. 10) 6 pm: Falls Book Group, Library (Story, Pg. 10.) 6 pm: EF Town Watch meets with 39th Police District Officers, 2201 W. Hunting Park Ave. (Story Pg.3.) Call 215-686-3394 to confirm.

16 Wednesday 29 Tuesday 1 pm: Beginner’s Bridge Group for new players, Library. (Story Pg. 10.)

10:15 am: Music and Movement Time, Library (Story Pg. 10.)

11 am: Storytime and block play, Library, ages seven and under. (Story Pg. 10.)

for new players, Library. (Story Pg. 10.)

Wednesday 17 Thursday 30 1 pm: Beginner’s Bridge Group

22 Tuesday

10:15 am: Music and Movement Time, Library (Story Pg. 10.)

31 Thursday

11 am: Storytime and block play, Library, ages seven and under. 10.)

East Falls NOW

January 2019

Town Watch scores clean-ups on short-dumping

Mary Jane Fullam, President of EF Town Watch, said that Town Watch contacted 39th District officers and the City’s 311 report line after neighbors called to report that piles of used tires and rubbish had appeared in two places – on both sides of Scotts Ln. near the entrance to McDevitt Recreation Center and on Abbottsford Rd., near the Schuylkill Expressway. A message from the “This isn’t the first time EFCC that piles of tires and trash have appeared overnight on President East Falls streets,” Fullam said. “They are unsightly and dangerous and are a terrible by Bill Epstein advertisement for our neighborhood. We will continue to move quickly to get them “Short-dumping” is the practice of illegally depositing cleaned up and work with the Police to find out who is disrerubbish on City streets and specting our neighborhood.” lots rather than paying to Deviants have defiled East dump waste at legal waste Falls this way at least three sites. ’m happy to report that with the assistance of officers at the 39th District Police, East Falls Town Watch secured the City’s assistance to rid our neighborhood’s streets of rubbish and large piles of tires that were “short-dumped” in East Falls in December.

act but we come across such piles in the community, call 311 to request a clean-up. Fortunately, this time we were able to get a timely response. The EFCC and Town Watch will continue to encourage the Police to use their Real Time Crime Center cameras located throughout the neighborhood to find out who is doing this dumping. The next monthly TW meeting will be at 7:30 pm Thurs., Jan. 10 at the TW office, 3540 Indian Queen Ln. All East Falls residents are invited to attend. All East Falls residents also are invited to join TW officers in meeting with the police at two sessions in January. One meeting is for Fact is, we need our neighresidents of Police Service bors to call 911 immediately if Area 1 (PSA1) of the 39th they see persons dumping District – which includes East tires and trash illegally. And Falls – at 6 pm Thurs., Jan. if we don’t catch people in the 24; the other is for all resitimes in the past two years. Piles of as many as 30 tires have been dumped overnight on Midvale Ave. and on residential streets such as Vaux St. and Warden Dr.

dents of the entire 39th District at 6 pm Mon., Jan. 28. Both meetings will be at the 39th headquarters, 2201 W. Hunting Park Ave. I join Mary Jane in advising that residents call the 39th District at 215-686-3394/5 the day of the meetings to confirm their scheduling. Search Committee Here’s another call for volunteers to serve on a search committee for next year’s EFCC officers and/or to serve on any and all of the EFCC’s committees – Zoning, Traffic, Events, Education, Solar Energy, By Laws and Membership. I’m easy to reach: billepstein2014@gmail.com. Best wishes for a healthy and happy 2019 to all of our readers and to everyone who helps make East Falls the great community it is.

Process and Policy- Which is the Chicken, which is the Egg?

appy New Year! I wish all of East Falls NOW’s readers a healthy and happy year. As many of you know, I am a policy wonk. In addition to being a proud ‘wonk’ I am data and evidence-driven and usually approach problem solving by looking for and understanding the root cause of a problem. Using any other approach just means we are guessing, basing policy on anecdotal evidence or allowing ourselves to be motivated by politics. The 2017-2018 session in Harrisburg was fraught with bills voted out of committee and voted out of the House based on such non-evidence approaches. Using my root cause approach, one solution that would go a long way to curbing the politics and emphasizing policy based on merit

would be to curtail the practice of gerrymandering. Gerrymandering is a root cause of many of the ills that plague the General Assembly; redistricting reform is the solution. Fair Districts PA led the charge for this reform over the past two years. Interestingly, the policy initiative for redistricting reform, the original HB 722 to create an independent citizens commission for redistricting, became a victim of the worst type of politics that we see with alarming frequency in the House. At my town halls (my 80th Town Hall will be on Sat., Jan. 26 at 10 am at Cathedral Village), I talk about process. The more citizens understand the process, the better they can participate and advocate. One of my stated goals for town halls is to Inform constituents about how the leg-

islative process works. Please consider joining me for a ‘Pam Unplugged’ gathering that promises to be energizing and enlightening -- maybe a tad

support the premise of any bill. Hearings should include stakeholders who would testify by contributing firsthand knowledge about a bill’s impact or unintended consequences. Stakeholders should represent both the pros and cons of a bill. Fair Districts PA did not get redistricting reform to the Governor’s desk in 2017-2018. This organization has now turned its focus on another by St. Rep. Pamela A. DeLissio root cause – the PA House Rules. These rules conamusing, but with the ultitributed heavily to the demise mate goal of a more informed of the Fair Districts PA citizenry. efforts. The House rules direct Policy that supports ideolog- everything from how legislaically extreme and rigid views tors conduct themselves to is rarely subjected to the type how legislation is handled. of committee hearings that These rules often are manipucan bring balanced input to lated by the party in power the discussion. Input that and are bent to obtain a prewould include data and evidetermined outcome. dence that might or might not Fair Districts PA and cur-

Pam’s Viewpoint

Published monthly and on-line by the East Falls Community Council PO Box 12672, Philadelphia, PA 19129 www.eastfallsnow.com • www.eastfallscommunity.org For news, contact: editor@eastfallsnow.com For advertising, contact ads@eastfallsnow.com For letters, contact letters@easfallsnow.com Everything else, contact info@eastfallsnow.com

Your East Falls Community Council: William Epstein, President Todd Baylson, Vice President and Zoning Chair Mary Alice Duff, Vice President and Events Chair Joseph Leube, Treasurer Christina Spolsky, Communications Director and Corresponding Secretary Mary Jean Cunningham, Recording Secretary and Membership Chair Christopher Caporellie, Member, Executive Committee at Large John Gillespie, Member, Executive Committee at Large and Transportation Chair Thomas Flynn, Member, Executive Committee at Large Alex Keating, Member, Executive Committee at Large Emily Nichols, Member, Executive Committee at Large Robert Rabinowitz, Member, Executive Committee at Large Christopher Rooney, Member, Executive Committee at Large and By-Laws Chair Barnaby Wittels, Immediate Past President

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Discovering, Preserving and Appreciating the History of East Falls: An opportunity to Get Involved

Our activities include: public programs such as lectures and walking tours; researching inquiries; creating oral histories; advocating for the historic preservation of landmarks.

For membership information, contact katy.hineline@gmail.com. For other inquiries please contact pcheek2002@yahoo.com. And, visit us on Facebook!

rent and past PA House legislators from both sides of the aisle, including myself, have now turned our collective attention to reforming those rules. Citizens are rightfully angry. They should stay angry and stay tuned. This fight is far from over. My goal is to continue to keep up the good fight for fair process and merit-based policy, working with my constituents and colleagues to pass legislation that benefits the citizens of the commonwealth versus special interests with outsized financial influence.

Happening in East Falls Yoga Newly arrived in East Falls NOWland is Mishana Yoga & Wellness, inside The Preston apartments at 3300 Henry Ave. Mishana offers a full schedule of morning, lunchtime and evening yoga and meditation classes, including its signature class, Vinyl Yoga Dance on Thursdays at 6 p.m. All classes are only $5 to $10, and beginners to experienced are welcome. The center is open for group and private yoga and meditation classes, "Goal Guidance" life and wellness coaching, acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine, deep tissue therapy bodywork and reiki relaxation energy healing. Call 215-9399663 or check out www.mishanayoga.com. EFDC job opening The East Falls Development Corporation (EFDC) has posted a job search for Executive Director. Applications are due Jan. 18. Visit www.indeed.com for more information.

January 2019

East Falls NOW

Too-frequent sad ending for mourning dove

(PMWC) in King of Prussia. The folks there took the dove in and gave us a case number so that that we could call later to inquire about her status. When we called back a couple days later (they ask you to wait about 48 hours), we got the sad news that she had passed. They had noticed injuries on her wings and puncture wounds on her chest that were consistent with a cat attack. This was in addition to the damage from the window strike. While both cats and windows are deserving of an article by themselves, I will touch upon both by Navin Sasikumar briefly here and explore each separately in later articles. Between ferals and indoorOne Saturday afternoon a outdoor pets, cats in the US few weeks ago, my neighbor, kill more than two billion Sandra Radich, came to my house holding this dove in her birds annually (in addition to more than 10 billion mamhands. She had found it in mals and amphibians). Since front of one of the houses on cats are not native to the US our block, knocked out after and were introduced by having hit the window. We knew the bird needed immedi- anthropogenic means, the native wildlife in the Americate help, and my partner, Brittany Stewart and I, raced as did not evolve alongside with the dove to the Philadel- the cats and therefore don’t have the necessary defences phia Metro Wildlife Center he mourning dove pictured here was first attacked by a cat and then it hit a window. She did not survive. She fell prey to a combination of two of the top three biggest killers of wild birds -- cats and windows. (Habitat destruction is the other.)

Navin on Nature

An injured mourning dove

against them, making them easy targets for the cats. Cats also are indiscriminate

hunters, killing even when not hungry. Artificially inflating feral cat populations

by providing them food and winter shelter simply exacerbates this problem. Feral cat colonies also serve as dumping grounds for abandoned pets keeping outdoor cat populations stable or even increasing despite trap/neuter/return (TNR) programs. As for window strikes, the number of birds killed annually is around one billion. It’s not just that windows are invisible to birds. They also can reflect the sky and foliage and to birds they look like an area they can fly into. While residential windows have the biggest share in window collision deaths due to the sheer number of residential housing, one can take a walk around a high-rise building in Center City on a high migration day in the spring and count dozens of dead birds of multiple species at the base. Even birds that fly away after a window strike often end up dying from internal bleeding. With the increasing usage of glass in buildings today, this seems like a problem that will continue to grow. Keeping pet cats indoors will decrease the overall number of birds killed by cats. Installing window decals or tape on the outside of windows in a four by two-inch grid is an effective tool in preventing collisions (the spacing is important.) Products such as Collidescape -- one-way transparent films -- are effective as well. Lastly, I would like to extend a big thank you to PMWC and its dedicated volunteers for doing everything they can to help wildlife in the Philadelphia metro region. I encourage readers to donate to help them continue this important work. If you have any questions, feel free to email me at navinsasikumar@gmail.com.

Join Up, Show Up, Speak Up Take part in the EFCC’s monthly general membership meetings – 7 pm every second Monday, East Falls Presbyterian Church, Midvale and Vaux Join an EFCC committee: Zoning, Events, Traffic, By-Laws. Contact info@eastfallscommunity.org Do you have news for East Falls NOW? Contact editor@eastfallsnow.com If you’re not getting East Falls NOW, contact info@eastfallsnow.com

East Falls NOW

January 2019

For the Love of Gardens: Landscaping for rain

Kitchen Corner by Anne Farnese

ood traditions at New Year celebrations are variety of plants interspersed steeped in symbolism to by Caroline Wiseblood with river stones. But they ensure luck, happiness and Meline need to be dug within 10 feet prosperity. Some cultures believe eating of a downspout, from which n the summer of 2017 I pork will ensure good fortune runoff from the roof can be heard about a program because pigs root forward; othdiverted into the garden. jointly sponsored by the My yard passed muster, so I ers avoid eating fowl because Philadelphia Water Departbirds scratch backward. got on the work list. The ment and Pennsylvania HortiAt midnight in Spain and installation happened in cultural Society called “Rain November a year ago, and my Portugal, folks consume an Check.” rain garden is a knockout. At even dozen grapes, one at each strike of the clock, so they will That name is a pun, and the least I think so. It is big! It have luck during the ensuing point is checking (reducing) replaced ugly crabgrass, and 12 months. The Japanese the amount of rainwater it is inspiring new ideas. going into our city’s sewer The little white fence is my offer rice cakes filled with sweet bean paste to the gods system. own addition. I needed to for good fortune and consume The Horticultural Society keep my dog from running long soba noodles to insure sent me a notice saying that I through and destroying the longevity. could get a rain garden plants.)The total cost of the In Holland, street vendors installed at my home basicalproject was $2,180, of which I sell oliebollen, deep fried dough ly free. I called the phone paid $180. balls on New Years Eve. number on the pamphlet and The Rain Check program Stuffed with raisins and someA view of Caroline Meline’s rain garden continues, and the PWD learned the details. times candied fruit, the powon Wayne Ave. installed by the City’s wants to make more people Yes, it was free, up to dered sugar-dusted Rain Check program. $2,000 worth of labor and aware of it. It is win-win, sphere-shaped treat is symbolic materials. If the budget went believe me. Using any of the of a complete circle meaning over that amount, I would rain management tools, prop- the year has run its course. side. A movie screen had have to pay the remainder. erty owners help reduce the The French celebrate New been set up, and the Wow! I imagined all the landYears eve with an elaborate spokesperson showed slides. I amount of storm water going scaping that could be done for through the City’s sewer sysmeal called le réveillon de la sat through the session and $2,000. tem, which can’t handle Saint-Sylvestre in honor of his was first in line to sign up. There was a condition, howfeast day. The celebratory It wasn’t automatic that my downpours. And they get ever. To be considered for beautiful landscaping. repast features croquemgarden would qualify. SomeRain Check, I would have to For more information, bouche, a staggering tower of one would have to come to my attend a workshop to learn Google Rain Check PWD or cream puffs entwined with property to see if a rain garmore about the program, spun sugar. Yum! den was the best tool, and if it email including the various rain RainCheck@pennhort.org or Bay leaf scented lentils and was feasible to install it. “tools” available and how they call 215-988-8767. For ideas, sausages are the New Year Other possible tools were worked. choice in Italy because tradiquestions and submissions to rain barrels, downspout On a blazing summer afterFor the Love of Gardens, East tion holds that eating the coinplanters, permeable pavers, noon, I attended the mandatoshaped legumes will ensure and more, but I wanted a rain Fallsers of all ages can conry workshop. It was held at a wealth. tact Deborah Kaplan at dkagarden. “pop-up” garden in West A popular dish in the United plan8@verizon.net. They are simply depressions Philadelphia. We met outStates, especially in the south, in the ground featuring a

is Hoppin’ John -- a combination of rice and black-eyed peas. Typically served with greens that resemble paper money. The cayenne-laced dish symbolizes prosperity and abundance because rice doubles in size when cooked. Hoppin’ John (This is Emeril Lagasse’s recipe) 1 tablespoon olive oil 1 large ham hock 1 cup chopped onion ½ cup chopped celery ½ cup chopped green pepper 1 tablespoon chopped garlic 1 pound black-eyed peas, soaked overnight and rinsed 1 quart chicken stock Bay leaf 1 teaspoon dried thyme leaves Salt, black pepper, cayenne to taste 3 tablespoons finely chopped green onion 3 cups steamed white rice Heat oil in a large soup pot, add the ham hock and sear on all sides for four minutes. Add onion, celery, green pepper and garlic, cook for four minutes. Add black-eyed peas, stock, bay leaf, thyme and seasonings. Bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer for 40 minutes or until peas are creamy and tender. Stir occasionally. If liquid evaporates, add some water or stock. Adjust seasonings and garnish with green onions. Serve over rice. Yields 10 servings.

January 2019

Yoga, theatre party, winter gathering top EF Village schedule your name(s) and number of tickets requested. Then send a check, payable to EFCC, to East Falls Community Council, PO Box 12672, Philadelphia, PA 19129. Assisted Membership Fund Thanks to donations and fundraisers such as the Theatre Party, EF Village has established the Assisted Membership Fund. Persons for whom the full annual membership fee would be a hardship can apply for an Assisted Membership by emailing membership@eastfallsvillage.o Ron Kanter with art, ceramics, and needlecraft created by his wife Evvy Edinburg. rg or calling the Membership Chair at 215-848-9164. 10. People can attend both by Mary Flournoy classes each week, but the Visit to Woodmere registration and payment for EF Village will sponsor a ast Falls Village will each series is separate. The trip to the Woodmere Art welcome 2019 with a Museum on Thurs., Jan. 10 to full schedule, topped by fee for each series is $84 for Village members and $102 for visit the exhibition “The PennEast Falls Village two yoga non-Village members. Nonsylvania Landscape in Impresclasses a week and an outing members should call 267-444- sionism and Contemporary to the Old Academy Players’ 4507 to register and then send Art.” Meet at the Library garstaging of Calendar Girls. a check to EFCC, PO Box den to carpool. 12672, Philadelphia, PA Yoga Classes Winter Gathering Yoga classes will take place 19129. On Sun., Jan. 20 from 3 to 5 on Tuesday from 10 to 11 am Calendar Girls pm, EFV will hold its winter and on Thursday from 2 to 3 On Sat., Jan. 12, EF Village gathering – a program and pm. They will be held at the will host a special 2 pm matishort business meeting folMemorial Church of the Good nee of Calendar Girls at Old lowed by a wine and cheese Shepherd, 3820 The Oak Rd. Academy Players. This hilarisocial hour – at Jefferson UniThe Winter series will run ous play is based on the true versity’s Tuttleman Center, through March. story of women in a small School House Ln. and Vaux The classes are open to English town who raise money St. All who might be interestwomen and men of all ages; for a local hospital by creating ed in the Village are welcome non-members of the Village an “alternative” calendar – to come; however, we ask that are welcome. The age range with nude photos of themyou register by emailing in the current classes is from selves! It became the fastest- info@eastfallsvillage.org or by 50 to 90. Instructor Lillian selling play in British history calling 267-444-4507. Rozin encourages people to adapt poses to their own abili- and a 2003 movie starring Helen Mirren. For More Information ty – whether they have had a The Theatre Party is a See eastfallsvillage.org or joint replacement or their bad fundraiser for the East Falls call 267-444-4507 for more knee is acting up! Two beneVillage Assisted Membership information. To join, pick up fits of yoga are improved balFund. Tickets are $15 a pera membership brochure at the ance and relaxation. The Tuesday morning class- son. To order tickets, send an front desk of the Falls Library or print out an application es begin Jan. 8; the Thursday email to info@eastfallsvillage.org with from the website. afternoon series begins Jan.

East Falls NOW

Alex Black – A life lost too early

Alex Black pounding in a tree stake at the Kelly House on Nov. 17.

by Sue Park

ast Falls Tree Tenders and all of EF suffered a tragic loss on Dec. 8 when professional arborist Alex Black – a valued member of Tree Tenders -- died in a work accident at the age of 31 after falling 40 feet from a tree. Alex, who lived on Vaux St., was heavily active with Tree Tenders for three years. He lent his skills as a professional arborist to help the group with planting and pruning trees throughout the neighborhood, most recently on Nov. 17 at the John B. Kelly house on Henry Ave. and W. Coulter St. Helping with the sadness about Alex’ sudden death was one story told by his brother, Chris, who explained a photo in the program for Alex’ memorial service. Alex was with his girlfriend out on the water when they came across a squirrel struggling to swim. Alex scooped it out of the water, and where else does one put a rescued squirrel but on one's head? He was that

kind of guy. He cared for trees and all living creatures. As you pass along the trees on Queen Ln. across from the reservoir or trees along Penn, Calumet, Skidoo and Stanton Sts., think of the love that Alex poured into pruning those trees. If you relax in Inn Yard Park, look at the trees that Alex helped to prune after putting in a full day at work. If you are able to drive along the alley on the south side of Vaux St., think of Alex. He single-handedly cleared a whole block of that space last year. Alex was a graduate of Lebanon High School. He attended West Chester University and was a certified arborist. In addition to his brother, he is survived by his parents, Laurel E. Black (Hunsberger) and Donald R. Black; his stepmother, Peggy; his step brother, John Schimpf; his stepsister, Caitlin Markert; and his significant other, Emily Mann. Alex was a bright and beautiful soul and will be missed by all who knew him. RIP, young dude. You left us too soon.

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East Falls NOW

tory, vulnerable users (percent of young, old, and those below the poverty line) and the number of community institutions such as elementary schools and Philadelphia Housing Authority projects. Applicants must include a map showing boundaries of zones along with elementary schools, churches, public housing, firehouses and hospitals. The City will review all applications by March 1 and invite semi-finalists to followup meetings to build community support. These will be followed by selection of finalists, development of the plan, and construction. Celebrating their holiday luncheon at Gil’s in Roxborough are St. Bridget “Slow Zones” primarily Choir members, from left, Kelly Gardner, Brian Kistler, Christina Kistler, Pat address speed and the threat to Adams, and Sr. Margaret. Standing, Debbie and Bill Cunningham. pedestrians and bikers. “Speed is a fundamental predictor of crash survival,” states the application. “Without the protection of an automobile, the human body has a limited tolerance for speeds higher than 20 miles per hour. Speed is especially lethal for people walking and biking.” In New York City, where Infrastructure and Sustainabil(Continued from page 1) ity, and City Council endorse a Vision Zero has been in effect longer, traffic deaths last year and/or two-way streets without plan, residents can expect the fell to their lowest point ever, following: a painted centerline… be no largely because of a 32 percent • Lower posted speed limits larger than about a half a mile drop in pedestrian fatalities. to 20 mph; square which is about six With around 100 people • Corner clearances within blocks, nor contain any streets being killed in traffic crashes 20 feet of some crosswalks to with painted center lines or on Philadelphia streets every any one-way streets with more prevent parking; and, year, Mayor James Kenney is • A wide choice of traffic than one lane,” states the an enthusiastic backer. calming tools, such as speed application. “Slow Zones “Managing speed to save lives cushions, changes to street should not include major comis a cornerstone of Slow direction, traffic circles, raised mercial areas or industrial Zones,” he said. sites,” although the application crosswalks, street murals, For more information on improved pavement markings, adds that Slow Zones “may be Slow Zones visit: and gateway treatments. Once bound by industrial or commerhttp://visionzerophl.com/upload installed, such changes may cial corridors.” s/attachments/cjnf3viet0cxrszd If residents, community lead- not be removed for five years. 6t9fpvpc5-file-slowzoneapp.pdf Slow Zone applications will ers, the Streets department, be scored in part on crash histhe Office of Transportation,

EFCC to apply for ‘Slow Zones’

January 2019

Meet New Year’s goals with MALT grams of the Mt. Airy Learning Tree (MALT) can help. MALT has more than 260 courses scheduled from January through early April -from A (Adventures in Sewing) to Z (Zumba). Several of MALT’s winter term classes will take place in East Falls. For instance, Vinyl Yoga Dance, a class that combines guided dance moves and classic yoga poses, will be taught at The Preston at Falls Center, 3300 Henry Ave. Each class will be a unique experience as different types of music -- funk, jazz, rock, reggae, hip-hop, soul, Afrobeat, disco and Indian Bhangra music -- inspire students to move their bodies in different ways. Other MALT classes will be taught at Memorial Church of the Good Shepherd, 3820 The Oak Rd., including Introduction to Needlepoint, Liberate the Power of your Voice (a self-empowerment course), Mishana Yoga instructor Mare Bear will and Acting for Children. teach MALT’s yoga class. If you want to teach a course, course ideas are limithatever you hope to ed only by our collective imagaccomplish in 2019, ination. MALT’s teachers are chances are that a good first step is the Mt. Airy community members from throughout Northwest Learning Tree. Want to add some spiritual- Philadelphia -- people who ity to your daily life? De-clut- want to share their passions with others and who believe ter or de-tox your home? in community-oriented Finally start that vegetable exchange. garden you’ve always For more information about dreamed of? Learn Spanish, MALT and to browse course pick up a new instrument, or listings in East Falls and figure out how much money beyond, visit you need to retire? www.mtairylearningtree.org. Whether your aspirations are big or small, the non-profit community education pro-

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January 2019

East Falls NOW

Greens sale at Vault + Vine nets $3,500 for library skills and, above all, a festive communal atmosphere. “It is truly a community he annual Friends of the Christina Kistler, who picked Falls of Schuylkill up a tree with her husband, Library holiday greens Brian, for their home on Midsale netted $3,500 for the vale Ave. Library amid a festive bazaarFor $10, buyers got home style atmosphere at Vault + delivery. About 40 buyers took Vine, 3507 Midvale Avenue. advantage of the service, Spread over two weekends in thanks to the loan of a pick-up December, the sale attracted truck from St. Bridget. hundreds of buyers and onlookJulianne and Fran Sullivan ers drawn by free coffee and have been buying trees from crowds on Midvale Ave. Out of the library ever since they 196 trees -- mostly Fraser firs – moved to East Falls 26 years 188 were sold by the end of ago. This year they bought a Sunday, Dec. 9. Prices ranged 10-foot Douglas fir, one of only from $29 for table tops to $129 five for sale. Delivered by for 10-footers. Sales of truck, it took three men, wreaths, roping, poinsettias, including Fran, to ease it cyclamens and other decorathrough the front door of their tions added to the mix. Ainslie St. home and hoist it in Two 12-foot trees were purits stand. chased and donated privately “She likes big,” said Fran of to St. Bridget Church. It took his wife. So big in fact that the two men and a set of dollies to tree, 10 feet around at the wheel the Douglas firs to tembase, took 10 strands of 200 porary storage behind the reclights -- 2,000 lights total -- to tory until the time came to adorn it. With the star atop, it decorate the altar for Christjust made it under the 12-foot mas. ceiling. “We love supporting our Peter Filoon and Cara neighbors and the Library via McGuffin so enjoyed the tree this sale and look forward to they bought at the Library sale growing our partnership,” said last year that they stopped by Peicha Chang, owner of Vault to buy another. At six feet it + Vine. was small enough to carry back This was the second year to their home on Cresson St. Vault + Vine collaborated with Margaret Sadler, president of the Library to handle the the Friends, thanked Vault + greens sale. Previously, Vine for the collaboration. Friends volunteers had man“We are fortunate to have such aged the sale from the Library a willing partner,” she said. itself over a single weekend. The association with Vault + Vine has brought marketing

by John T. Gillespie

Good Hands Within arm’s reach.

(Above) Julianne Sullivan tops her Library sale tree -- a big one – in her home on Ainslie St. (Left) Peter Filoon and Cara McGuffin prepare to carry their six-footer to their home on Cresson St.

EFHS sets two programs

n keeping with increased city-wide attention to historic preservation and Philadelphia’s varied and distinguished architecture, the East Falls Historical Society will offer two special pro-

grams during the winter months. On Wed., Feb. 20 at 6:30 p.m., at the Falls of Schuylkill Library, Ken Hinde will speak on “200 Years of East Falls Architecture.” Hinde, an East

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Falls resident, is one of Philadelphia’s premier tour guides and currently leads tours at the Fairmount Water Works. On Mon., March 4, Evan Laine, Director of the Law and Society Program at Jefferson University’s East Falls Campus, will discuss the late U.S. Sen. Arlen Specter’s career and the Arlen Specter Center. The event will be held at the Center, the Georgian building on School House Ln. known historically as Roxboro House, tentatively at 6:30 p.m. Details on both programs will follow in the February and March issues of East Falls NOW. The EFHS can be contacted at eastfallshistory@gmail.com per its advertisement in this issue.

Help make our community great. Join the East Falls Community Council by visiting “Become a Member” at www.eastfallscommunity.org

East Falls NOW

Mid-winter bird census set for Jan. 12

January 2019

Calendar Girls opens Jan. 11 at Old Academy Playhouse

Carolina Wren, often seen in East Falls during the Mid-Winter Bird Census.

by Winston Moody

ensus recorders – the kind that count East Falls’ bird population, not people – are scheduled to tackle their task throughout the neighborhood on Sat., Jan. 12. Census recorders Phil Hineline, Winston Moody and Wendy Moody will fan out across East Falls, identifying and counting birds for the annual Philadelphia MidWinter Bird Census. If you live in East Falls and have an active bird feeder, you can help in two ways: 1) Call or email before the census date so that we can add your address to our list of sites to observe (Winston and Wendy Moody, 215-848-5131, wmoodyw@aol.com.) 2) If you feel comfortable in bird identification, you can call the Moodys and leave a message on Jan. 12 before 4 pm with the number of each species of bird you observed on the day of the count only. Keith Russell, Census Coordinator for the city-wide effort, called the census “the only monitoring effort in which birds are counted throughout Philadelphia County – what birds are present, where they are located, and how they change through the years.” Since East Falls is situated on an edge of Fairmount Park, the neighborhood is vital to the census. In 2008 Fairmount Park was named an Important Bird Area (IBA) by National Audubon. The park, a significant wildlife sanctuary, is one of 82 IBAs in Pennsylvania, the first state to recognize IBAs. We appreciate the efforts of Fallsers who provide winter food and water for birds. Happy sightings!

ld Academy Players will stage the British stage and screen hit Calendar Girls, opening Friday night, Jan. 11 at the Playhouse, 3540 Indian Queen Ln. Directed by Loretta Lucy Miller and authored by Tom Firth, the play describes how Annie, when her husband dies of leukemia, resolves with her best friend Chris to raise money for a new settee for the local hospital. Their fundraising strategy is unconventional, however, as they decide to produce an “alternative” calendar -- persuading the fellow members of the Women’s Club to pose nude with them. The news of the women’s charitable venture spreads like wildfire. Hordes of media people soon descend on the small English village of Knapeley, where hilarity ensues. Based on the true story of 11 women who

Cast of Calendar Girls: standing, from left: Susan Lonker, Bonnie Kappenstein and Bonnie Lay Grant; front: Susan Blair, Terri Fries Bateman and Susan Trigianni.

posed nude to raise money for the Leukemia Research Fund, Calendar Girls has become the fastest selling play in British theatre history. Curtain times are 8 pm Fridays and Saturdays, Jan. 11, 12, 18, 19, 25 and 26; and 2

pm Sundays, Jan. 20 and 27. Tickets are $20, including onsite parking. Groups of 15 or more can save $3 per ticket. For reservations and payment, visit www.oldacademyplayers.org or call 215-843-1109.

January 2019

East Falls NOW

Falls Library has full schedule for January

he Falls of Schuylkill Library will open 2019 with a full schedule of adult and children’s programs, including the popular weekly bridge groups for beginner and experienced players and a monthly book group meeting. The library will be closed on New Year’s Day, Tues., Jan. 1, and on Martin Luther King Day, Mon., Jan. 21. Thurs., Jan. 10 will see a delayed opening at 2 pm for staff development. Adult programs Beginner’s Bridge games will take place at 1 pm every Wednesday in January. Advanced bridge for experienced plays is scheduled for Mon., Jan. 7 at 5:45 pm. If you are interested in stoicism philosophy, join the

Library’s monthly meeting at 6 pm Mon., Jan. 14 to find out more about the stoic perspective. On Mon., Jan. 28 at 6 pm the Falls Book Group will meet in the Story Room to discuss the January selection, The Count of Monte Christo, by Alexandre Dumas. All are welcome. February’s book title will be the One Book, One Philadelphia selection. Watch the February issue of East Falls NOW for details. And while this Book Talk program also is not until February, mark your calendar for a presentation and discussion with author Marquis Bay about his new book, Them Goon Rules: Essays on Radical Black Feminism. This is scheduled for 6:30 pm Mon., Feb. 25.

Children’s schedule LEAP, the Free Library’s drop-in after school program, offers homework assistance, computer literacy, and library skills for students in grades K–12. It also offers daily literacy enrichment activities for elementary school students.

The program takes place every Monday through Thursday from 3 to 5 pm and every Saturday from 1 to 5 pm. Visit the branch to get our LEAP monthly calendar to see what we’re working on. The popular Read with a Therapy Dog programs for school age children will take place at 4:15 pm Mon., Jan. 7, 14 ands 28. Join certified therapy dogs Wally or Orchid and share a new book or an old favorite in a judgementfree space. Music and Movement Time for babies and toddlers will return at 10:15 am every Tuesday in January except NY’s Day. This parent-led music and dance story time has children playing maracas, shaking pom poms, dancing and listening to dance-themed books. Groups and daycares

should call the library to set up their own special visits. Children age two to six are invited with their parents and siblings to enjoy Story Time and Block Play at 11 am Thurs., Jan. 3, 17, 24 and 31. Again, groups should call for appointments. Children of all ages who are interested in sports are invited to the Library’s Lizzie Legend book release event at 1 pm Sat., Jan. 12. Local author Matthew Ross Smith will sign copies of his book, Lizzi Legend, and will answer questions about writing and basketball. For more information about any of the library’s programs, contact librarians Drew Birden or Meredith McGovern at 215-685-2093.

Penn Charter breaks ground for new baseball field (Continued from page 1)

pleted for the 2019 baseball season. The facility will feature a turf field with an outfield design which, in shape and size, pays homage to Citizens Bank Park’s distinctive outfield. Plus, the state-of-theart complex will feature team dugouts, bullpens, batting tunnels, spectator seating, a field support building, rain gardens and landscaping, and parking. The complex is the first and From left at the ceremonial groundbreaking for Penn Charter’s new baseball field are Rick Mellor ’69, Ruben Amaro Jr. ’80, enabling step in a campus transformation that includes Jane Evans, David Montgomery ’64, Jeff Reinhold, Duncan McFarland ’61, and Head of School Darryl J. Ford. a new lower school on the site of the current field house and a new Athletics and Wellness

Center on the site of the old baseball field. School officials says that the projects will make it possible for Penn Charter to remain and thrive in East Falls for the next 50 years and beyond. Among the honored guests was Duncan McFarland ’61, who has made a $10 million gift to the How Far? campaign, making him the campaign’s largest donor. The campaign supports educational innovation, financial aid, faculty professional development and salary increases, as well as building projects. So far, the school has raised $68 million in gifts and pledges.

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tact info@eastfallscommunity.org Do you have news for East Falls NOW? Contact editor@eastfallsnow.com If you’re not getting East Falls NOW, contact info@eastfallsnow.com

East Falls NOW

January 2019

Kendrick Rec and EF girls score big at Fall Fling, Bucks Invitational

ast Falls residents Anna and Lauren Arnoldi, Renée Caporellie and Mia Straface competed as part of the Kendrick Rec Center gymnastics program and made a strong showing at West Chester University’ Fall Fling competition. It was the season opener for the Kendrick Kippettes team and their level 2/3’s first United States of America Gymnastics (USAG) meet ever. All gymnasts placed across multiple events to include the all-around category and a 2nd place team trophy for level 2 and a 3rd place team trophy for level 3. Other highlights included level 3 team member Ainsley hitting a 9.0 for first place on bars and 9.125 for 1st on the floor exercise. Level 2 gymnasts Amazia Dennis and Esa Falso earned 9.375 for 2nd on the beam with Jaya Adams right behind them at 9.35, taking 1st place in her age group. In Round 2 all of the team’s level 4 members placed across multiple events and together they took home a 2nd place team trophy. Jade Grant snagged a 35.2 all-around score. Riley Gallagher took 1st on beam with a 9.425 and Kelsea Richardson was close behind in 2nd with a 9.25. Anna Arnoldi landed in 2nd on beam with a 9.25 and took 1st on floor with a 9.2. Frances Mitchler nailed bars with a 9.0 (4th). Round 3 at WCU Fall Fling with our level 5s. Lauren Arnoldi & Lorelei McBride did great at their first meet of the season with both girls qualifying for the PA state competition later in the year. Lorelei brought home a 4th place win on beam and Lauren snagged wins on bars and vault & beam with a well-deserved 9.025. It was a long day at WCU for the coaches, but for their final session of the day the level 6/7s finished strong. The girls crushed it on bars and floor with Kendrick’s level 6 team taking a 1st place team trophy. The highlights: Savs Barnes hit a 9.55 (1st) and Ameena Rogers a 9.45 (2nd) on bars. On floor Kennedy Brown took 2nd place with a 9.35, Savs was 3rd with a 9.3 and Ameena 4th with a 9.25. Teammate Marge Powell scored great for her first level 6 meet. Level 7 gymnast Renée Caporellie took first place on bars with a 9.1 with teammate Leah Pedraza winning 4th. Leah also snagged 4th on floor with a 9.1. Renée earned 2nd place on vault and in the allaround. Their last session at the 2018 WCU Fall Fling is one for the books. Their Xcel Gold team brought home a 2nd place team trophy. All four girls placed across all events. Highlights: Mia Straface put up the highest all-around score of the entire session with a 36.325, landing her in 1st place. She also won 1st on bars with a 9.35. Angelina Galie hit a 9.0 on beam for 4th place and 5th on floor with 9.125. Joey Shoemaker snagged 2nd on bars with a 9.025. Jolie Schrieber capyured 1st place for beam with a 9.15. The Kendrick Kippette's Xcel team plus Lauren Arnoldi from Level 5 had a strong session at the Central Bucks Gymnastics Holiday Invitational. Lauren had a stunning beam routine

(9.35), landing her in 2nd place. She also took 3rd on bars (8.8) and 5th All Around. Mia Straface was on fire hitting a 9.45 on bars (2nd place), 9.4 on Floor Exercise (3rd place), 9.175 on vault (2nd place) & 36.625 All Around (2nd place). Jolie Schrieber nailed a 9.225 on beam (2nd place), 8.9 on vault (2nd place) and 9.15 FX (4th place). Joey stood at the top of the podium with a 1st place on bars (9.175), 3rd on beam (8.95) and 2nd All Around. The Kippettes’ Level 7s performances also shined at the Holiday Invitational. As small as she is, Savanah Barnes stood tall at the top of the podium with a 1st place All Around win (36.35). She also took 1st on vault (9.4), 3rd on bars (8.8 ) & 4th on beam (9.0). Renee Caporellie placed across all events: vault 2nd place (9.15), on bars 5th place (8.95), floor exercise 3rd place (9.2) and All Around 3rd place with a nice win on beam. Leah Pedraza took 5th place on floor exercise (9.15) and a well-deserved win on vault (8.85.) The Level 6 team members cheered each other to to victory, especially teammate Marge Powell, who put up an 8.65 on bars and an 8.7 on floor exercise. Kennedi Brown nailed it placing across all events 3rd place on vault (8.9), 2nd place on beam (9.1), 5th place on Floor Exercise (9.0), 2nd place All Around (35.45) and a nice win on bars. Ameena Rogers took two well-deserved 1st place wins on vault (8.85) and bars (9.15) with a 3rd place win on Floor Exercise (9.25). Her 35.85 All Around landed her in 4th place. Highlights for the Level 4 competitors: Nia Pettigrew took 1st on vault (8.95) and beam (9.075). Anna Arnoldi stood tall in 1st on beam (9.1), 2nd on floor exercise (8.8 ). Layla Cujdik was all smiles in 2nd place on beam (9.0) & Floor Exercise (8.75). Frances Mitchler earned 1st place on floor exercise (8.75), 2nd place on bars (8.65). Riley Gallagher took 3rd place on vault (8.65) and floor exercise (8.9.) Jade Grant swept the board -- 1st for floor exercise (8.875) and 2nd on beam (8.55.) Kelsea Richardson snagged 3rd on beam (8.75) and 4th on vault (8.55). Five of seven girls also placed in the All Around, including a 1st place win for Jade Grant. The level 3's finished strong

From left at West Chester University: Coarch Kathy Ciesielka, Savannah Barnes, Renee Caporellie, Ameena Rogers, Juliana Rossi, Leah Pedraza, Kennedy Brown, Harley Feihr, Coach Janette Mancini and Margarett Powell at bottom.

Taking first place, front, Coach Tina Dolan; behind from left, Jaya Adams, Amazia Dennis, Isabella Weber, Genevieve Elenback, and Esabella Falso.

at the Holiday Invitational. Lainey Altomare swept the board, placing across all four events, including a 1st place on

beam (9.125), 2nd on bars (9.15) & All Around (35.85). Jordin Mouzon was all smiles in 5th place for bars (8.85) and

7th on floor (8.9). Onna Richburg earned 3rd place for beam (8.875) and floor (9.05.)

January 2019

East Falls NOW